As part of The Maldives National University’s (MNU) Theveli International Conference 2026, a post-conference workshop titled “Developing Interdisciplinary Approaches to Global Issues: Building Long-Term Capability” was held on 20 August 2026, focusing on strengthening interdisciplinary research and collaboration to address global challenges.

The workshop was led by Professor Alister Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato, New Zealand, where he oversees international engagement with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Designed for both experienced and early-career researchers, the interactive workshop explored strategies for strengthening research collaboration, establishing interdisciplinary centres and developing long-term institutional research capabilities. Through problem-solving activities and discussions, participants examined how interdisciplinary approaches can be integrated into research, teaching and curriculum development to address real-world challenges.

The workshop aimed to:

• Explore interdisciplinary approaches to addressing global challenges.
• Identify strategies for strengthening research collaboration and building long-term institutional capabilities.
• Examine approaches to establishing interdisciplinary research centres and partnerships.
• Develop practical ideas for integrating interdisciplinary thinking into research, teaching and curriculum design.

A total of 17 participants, comprising 10 female and 7 male participants, attended the workshop, which encouraged the exchange of ideas and practical approaches to strengthening interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration.

Through this initiative, MNU contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting innovative teaching practices, research capacity development and interdisciplinary learning. The workshop also supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging research innovation, institutional capacity building and collaborative partnerships, reinforcing MNU’s commitment to quality education, sustainable development and international academic cooperation.